Britain’s William Hague steps down as foreign secretary

London, Jul 15: British Foreign Secretary William Hague said on Monday he will stand down as foreign secretary after four years to serve as leader of the British House of Commons.

“I will not stand as an MP (Member of the Parliament) in the May 2015 general election, after 26 years as an MP,” Hague announced on his personal twitter feed Monday night, Xinhua reported.

“From May 2015, after such a long period in politics I want to embark on many other things I have always wanted to do,” he further tweeted. He said that his new role as leader of the House of Commons means he will finish in politics as he began by “speaking in Parliament and campaigning among the voters”.

“After 26 years as an MP, time will be right for me to move on,” Hague said, adding that “Renewal in politics is good.” Recalling his career as foreign secretary, he said, “I’m proud we now have a restored foreign office, revived alliances, a new course in Europe, and stronger UK leadership on human rights.”

He also vowed to “take forward the UK campaign to end sexual violence in conflict as the PM’s Special Representative”. In June, he and UN special envoy Angelina Jolie co-hosted the Global Summit End Sexual Violence in Conflict in London.

Britain’s current Defence Secretary Philip Hammond is set to replace Hague to take the top diplomatic role, the media reported citing sources. The career change for Hague is believed to be part of a major cabinet reshuffle involving changes of multiple ministers ahead of the general elections next year.

Hague was appointed British secretary of state for foreign and commonwealth affairs in May 2010. He was elected to British parliament in 1989 and is the Conservative MP for Richmond (Yorks).